Daily Current Affairs — 17 February 2026
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Calls For Reform of Global Trading System
In News Recently, the head of the World Trade Organization agreed with U.S. calls for reforming the global trading system, noting it is resilient but not robust. Global Trading System and Role of WTO The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the sole global body governing international trade rules.
AI could be Game Changer for Distributed Renewable Energy
Context Artificial intelligence can optimise distributed renewable energy by improving grid management, forecasting, storage efficiency, and cost savings. Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Distributed renewable energy (DRE) refers to small-scale, decentralised power generation systems typically ranging from a few kilowatts to megawatts that produce electricity from renewable sources directly. Unlike conventional centralized power plants that require extensive transmission infrastructure, DRE sy
Single Genome-editing Strategy Can Help Treat Multiple Disorders
Context A study in Nature recently revealed that researchers have developed a method to address many nonsense mutation diseases using a single genome-editing strategy. About Their approach is called Prime-Editing-mediated Readthrough of premature termination codons (PERT). It reprogrammes one of the cell’s own genes into a tool to override premature stop signals, allowing the cell to ignore the faulty instruction and complete the protein.
District Cooling: A Climate-Smart Solution for India’s Urban Future
Context In the backdrop of rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation, district cooling is emerging as a climate-responsive and urban planning solution aligned with India’s sustainability goals. What is District Cooling? District cooling is a centralised system that supplies air-conditioning to multiple buildings through a network of insulated underground pipes.
NGT Upholds Environmental Clearance For Great Nicobar Mega Project
Context Recently, a Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cleared the way for the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, noting that ‘considering the strategic importance’ of it and ‘other relevant considerations’. About the Great Nicobar Project It is a large-scale infrastructure initiative conceived by NITI Aayog, formally called as the Great Nicobar Island Development Project. It is implemented through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDC)
Market Borrowing and Municipal Readiness in India
Context As India explores market-based urban financing through the Urban Challenge Fund, concerns have emerged over whether Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) possess the capacity required to manage debt responsibly. Urbanisation and the Financing Gap India’s urban population is expected to cross 600 million by 2030, increasing pressure on civic infrastructure. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to perform 18 functions listed in the 12th Schedule, including w